BLENDED LEARNING
A definition of blended learning
If you're familiar with online learning, you'll know that blended learning is becoming a key part of every company’s education strategy. Blended learning means you get in-person training based on online-media and on-the-job training based on traditional face-to-face sessions at the same time. We'll show you how to implement it in your corporate training.
What are the benefits of blended learning?
Blended learning is a way through which technology has become an integral ingredient for success in today's education system – corporate as well as academic. But not all blended learning entails the same methodologies. Many use a blended learning method in which they merge traditional methods of education with new technology and the internet. But don't worry if 'traditional place-based classrooms' are out of the question for your learners. You can easily substitute in-person for online training, using webinars or videos, making the learning even more accessible and convenient.
Types of blended learning models
What are the methods to create a blended learning program? Learn some options to design blended learning models such as used by Impact4Sales.
An effective teaching model: Create an objective for your training and define a measurable outcome, the goal. This will help you create a focused program that teaches learners the skills they need.
Create a blendable environment: Blended learning is flexible and can be tailored to your needs. You define how much of the training will be self-paced and how much will consist of online training by setting tasks for learners before each class. During live webinars, you allow learners to share solutions to these tasks with class participants.
Assessments to improve learning: Once your training program is complete, assess what skills need to be mastered. With an LMS, you can easily set assessment modules so learners can review and learn the necessary knowledge.
Companies using blended learning in training
There are many types of blended learning, but it's best suited to corporate training programs.
The benefits of blending learning
Blended learning makes it easy to train employees, eliminating the need to purchase travel accommodations or printed materials, and allowing them to train on a global scale easily.
Flexibility in online learning
Blended learning models, which combine online training and assignments, give learners more control over their learning schedules and more time for work and family commitments.
Engaging a group of learners
One way companies can use online learning is to record training sessions. For a company that utilizes an LMS, gamification, and certificates can provide rewards for the learner and increase participation in the training.
Disadvantages of blended learning and how to overcome them
Here are the disadvantages of an online component with classroom teaching.
For Instructors: The right training is necessary for teaching online. Not every institute or program can provide this. The benefits of sparse supervision. Some people might find it difficult to adjust to blended learning with individual learners.
For Individuals: Blended learning is only effective when it’s supported by the right technology, equipment, and software. Currently, not every individual has access to a computer and the internet, which limits their ability to improve daily through blended learning.
The Impact of Technology on Cultural Change: Occasionally, the internet will be accessible, but the programs and software are not, which limits learner’s productivity. However, with these glitches fixed quickly, learners can continue their work.
Blended Learning in Corporate Training
Blended learning is better suited to the needs and realities of businesses. Knowledge can be delivered via bite-sized chunks that can be easily absorbed by employees. Workers can explore that content online whenever and wherever they decide. They can then consolidate that knowledge during face-to-face training sessions. These sessions allow for personalized training and upskilling for each employee. Scalability and the lower costs associated with blended learning make it an attractive option for large corporations with multiple offices. Digital monitoring tools and the analytics suites that come with professional-grade online training platforms make it easy to track trainee progress and ensure that everyone receives the same training materials.
Consider using a blended Learning Management System (LMS) to increase engagement
If you do not have an LMS, you can still deliver successful blended learning. However, having one will enable you to manage, and deliver.
Tips for a successful learning
A good LMS lets you create learning and organizing content. This is necessary for blended learning. How social learning tools are used? When you have blended learning, your training is more appealing and engaging when you have social learning tools, because learners can share their content, knowledge, and culture from the training. With social learning capabilities, there are forums for learners to communicate with each other and gain additional information for other areas of your training program.
Comparing
LMS reports can provide valuable information on the progress of blended learning training. Reports can be exported, scheduled, or shared with your inbox – making it easy to stay on top of any needed changes. They are helpful in understanding how programs are functioning and what is wanted by learners.
Start webinars with a topic
Webinars are an essential segment of blended learning training because they provide you with disparate data. With a single solution, you can seamlessly access all your data without the hassle of searching through various web pages.
Use your LMS to access webinar tools, like Zoom, MS Teams, GoToMeeting, and Webex. This allows you to schedule and manage webinars in one app. Other features should include integration with registration functions, polls, virtual breakout rooms, and attention monitoring tools.
You can reuse webinar sessions and turn them into on-demand videos, or as dedicated video content for training. Make sure to record each session, so you can use the recordings as needed. An overview of how to use a webinar tool with a Learning Management System If you want to integrate webinar sessions into your learning strategy, it makes sense to integrate your chosen tool with your LMS. You can give attendees easy access, automate activities and engage them with polls.
No need to double-book your LMS sessions! Once you have set up the initial time and date, they will automatically appear on the webinar tool. How easy was it to register? Data is automatically transmitted from LMS to the webinar tool.
With blended learning, we create learning experiences that can be more engaging for learners and instructors. You can have any combination of traditional and online materials.
Final Word
Now that we have gone over the benefits of blended learning and given you some tips on how to implement it, it is time to start thinking about how you can create your own blended learning experience.
- What criteria will you use to determine what this will look like in your business or virtual classroom?
- Will you focus on improving learner engagement and morale, or will you focus on something else?
Whatever you decide, make sure you have a clear plan in place, so you can get the most out of blended learning.
